The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has issued a decisive ruling against the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during the 2026 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifier against Lesotho on 21 March 2025.
The Sanctions
Following breaches of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the Preliminary Competition Regulations, FIFA has imposed the following measures:
- The match has been forfeited in Lesotho’s favour with a 3–0 scoreline.
- South Africa has been deducted three points.
- SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000.
- Mokoena has received an official warning.
Impact on Group C Standings
Before the sanction, South Africa led Group C with 17 points. With the deduction, their victory over Lesotho has been nullified, leaving them on 14 points. This adjustment places Benin at the top of the group, also on 14 points but ahead on head-to-head advantage, while South Africa drop to second.
Broader Implications
Beyond the immediate sporting setback, the ruling underscores the importance of robust compliance and governance frameworks in football administration. A single oversight in eligibility verification has shifted the competitive balance of an entire group stage, highlighting how procedural diligence is as critical as on-pitch performance.
The decision also raises pertinent questions about accountability within sports organizations and the systems in place to prevent such costly errors. For stakeholders, the case serves as a reminder that integrity and governance remain at the core of sustainable sporting success.
Next Steps
SAFA retains the right to request a motivated decision within 10 days and may appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee. Until then, the ruling stands and reshapes the trajectory of Group C’s qualification race.
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